This great footballing nation have not achieved success since lifting the Copa America title in 1993 and a major trophy is long overdue. This year there is a great confidence within the squad that they will be Champions this time around with players such as
Carlos Tevez,
Lionel Messi and Hernan Crespo currently enjoying spells of good form. With a strong squad and players capable of individual feats of excellence Argentina are undoubtedly one of the front runners to lift the 2007 Copa America title.
Bolivia have spent the past ten years in the football wilderness, failing to advance past the first round or indeed to even win a game in the Copa America since 1997. With no apparent improvement in recent form it will come as a huge surprise if Bolivia manage to make it out of the group stage of the tournament.
Renowned and revered as the best footballing nation in the world Brazil enter the tournament as favourites and are keen to improve on a dismal performance in the 2006 World Cup. However, controversially without key players such as
Kaka and
Ronaldinho in the squad, the title is not securely in the hands of Brazil just yet. With Argentina in strong form the current holders may find that the tournament is anything but easy sailing for them.
Despite failing to qualify for the past two World Cups there is a sincere buzz of optimism and hope running through the Chilean camp. With some recent strong performances and team confidence at an all time high Chile could be the surprise package that challenges the big two of Argentina and Brazil.
Despite failing to qualify for either the 2002 or 2006 World Cups Colombia have enjoyed a measure of success at the Copa America in recent years becoming Champions in 2001 and semi-finalists in 2004. However, playing in a group with Paraguay, Argentina and United States it will be an uphill struggle to reach the later stages of the tournament.
Ecuador have what can only be described as a dismal record in the Copa America and participating in a group with Brazil, Chile and Mexico no one would fancy Ecuador’s chances of success this time around. However, the achievement of reaching the second round of the 2006 World Cup has bolstered confidence and given the squad a good foundation to build on.
Finalists in the Copa America in 1993 and 2001 Mexico have recently come frustratingly close to lifting the title. In a group with Brazil, Chile and Ecuador they will have to put in some sterling performances to progress past the initial stages of the competition. Mexico have proven that they can play football with the best when they defeated Brazil at the 2005 Confederations Cup.
Probably regarded as the third best South American team behind Brazil and Argentina, Paraguay have proven they are a team to be reckoned with qualifying and competing seriously in the last three World Cups. They have failed to win the Copa America since 1979 and this year could be their year to shine in the tournament building on recent solid development.
Recent struggling for form Peru must be considered as one of the outsiders in this tournament. Dismal performances have done little to inspire the players and fans alike. However, they are playing in the easiest group in the tournament which could provide them with a slight glimmer of hope of progression out of the group stages.
A guest team in the Copa America it is expected that they will field a weakened side comprised mainly of MLS players due to their commitment in the Gold Cup immediately prior to the tournament. However, the ever competitive Americans could be a surprise package especially if they are not taken seriously by the other teams in their group.
Uruguay enjoy a successful relationship with the Copa America having lifted the title on no less than fourteen occasions. Despite this prolific history Uruguay have recently struggled through a period of decline. A good run in this year’s tournament would do much to bolster confidence and flagging performances in time to turn things around for the imminent World Cup qualifiers.
Hosts of this year’s competition they can rely on home advantage to help aid team performances. Recently Venezuela have enjoyed a run of success and have built a good foundation to make the next leap forward in securing a major title. With confidence on a high and home advantage could Venezuela be serious contenders in this year’s tournament?
